Gordon then asked for one more shot: A photo with just Patrick and Ella together. Patrick nodded her head and smiled.

Like she does with so many young girls who look to her as a role model, Patrick knelt down and introduced herself to Ella, then put an arm around her and posed for the picture.

Ella, her dad said, hadn't even realized girls could grow up to be race car drivers until Patrick came along. When a driver becomes the first female in NASCAR history to win a Cup Series pole position â?? and at the Daytona 500, no less â?? even daughters of four-time NASCAR champions are impressed.